A unique for its flora and fauna reserve, a place of incomparable/exceptional beauty and point of reference for scientific observation, the Valley of the Butterflies captures the interest of hundreds of visitors every year.
The spectacular phenomenon of the Euplagia Quadripunctaria rhodosensis butterfly (commonly known as the Jersey Tiger moth) inhabiting the valley, takes place from July to September. Following /drawn by the distinctive scent of resin of the Oriental Sweetgum trees (Liquidambar orientalis) – also an endemic species of the local flora and one of a kind in the whole of Europe –, these fascinating nocturnal insects fly to the Butterfly Valley in thousands, seeking shelter from the heat resting alongside the stream banks and watery paths, on broad leaves and tree trunks, or even upon rock recesses in order to rest and reproduce.
A rather impressive feature of these marvelous creatures is their morphology which allows them to camouflage themselves against plants, tree branches, rocks and other surfaces; privileged by nature, they are often hard to notice.